[Mpls] Re: Library

[MnGus]

Sheldon Mains wrote: >OPERATING FUNDS >I don't know about the operating fund deficit.� I've been attending about >half the Library Board meetings since about February and it hasn't come up. That is the point. No one is talking about it. They know about it. They just do not know what to do about it. I have written about this since last year and I have never once used my numbers on what I think the operating shortfalls will be. I have no clue how to determine that. Every number I have used is from Library staff. They know about the problem. Library staff read these postings. They were reading them last year. Has anyone seen them respond to a post? I suspect the reason they haven't is that they don't know what to say. They can't argue the numbers, they are their numbers. I personally don't understand their silence. Now is when we should be discussing and working on how to deal with this shortfall. I suspect no one responds because then the topic becomes who decided to move forward with this plan when they didn't know how to pay for it? Then the question will also be asked as to who made the decision to hide the numbers from the voters and not ask for the money really needed?   >There are some obvious� operating savings that could either go to solve the >problem (if there is one) or improve service: The items you listed Sheldon are mostly applicable to the central Library. They are not projecting any shortfall in Central Library operations. I will be interested to see their numbers after they are operating, but I know staff has thought hard about this and has many good ideas on how to effect cost savings. Your post listed several. The projected deficits are in the community libraries. >On the other side of the issue is that a new library can look at doubling >circulation and use when it opens because of increased public interest. >Hosmer Library's circulation is now almost equal to the circulation of >North Regional Library. How to staff for this increase will be a major >issue. How to staff is only part of it. If circulation doubles you need to buy books. More people means more maintenance. More people in and out means higher utilities. It goes on and on like any business. The library is aware of this and projecting for the expense. They just have no way to "project" where the money will come to pay for the increases. >CAPITAL FUNDS >This is complex. I have just started looking into it. � The CLIC bonding for >libraries was, I understand, delayed, not eliminated.� I know there are >discussions going on regarding the capital funding schedule. Lets just say there is some history here. I believe in the end that the Library will get the funds they are counting on through CLIC Bob Gustafson 13th >.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.> sheldon mains� � seward neighborhood� � minneapolis� � � shel@mtn